Our water reservoirs empty: Kumaraswamy

In an open snub to MK Stalin, the DMK working president, and other opposition parties in Tamil Nadu who are agitating for Cauvery water from Karnataka, H D Kumaraswamy, the Chief Minister-designate of Karnataka made it known in Tamil Nadu itself that there was no question of releasing Cauvery water as the reservoirs in his State are empty. The fact that he chose Tamil Nadu itself to announce that there was no water in Karnataka reservoirs proves that he is a tough bargainer and would not release Cauvery water.

His declaration that no water would be released by Karnataka has exposed that the agitations and demonstrations by opposition parties in Tamil Nadu against the Centre and State governments are mere political games, according to Tamil Nadu BJP. 

Speaking to reporters at Sree Ranganatha Temple at Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu’s central point, where he has come to seek the divine blessings before his swearing-in on Wednesday as the Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy said Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were like brothers. “Farmers in Karnataka are facing distress as reservoirs in the State are empty. I came to Tiruchi to seek the blessings of Lord Ranganatha and the support of nature as heavy rains would make it easier to share the water. Water can be released only if it is available in our reservoirs,” said Kumaraswamy.

When probed about the statements made by matinee idol Rajnikanth that Karnataka should abide by the Supreme Court verdict and release the quantum of water ordered by the Court, Kumaraswamy said that the actor was welcome to Karnataka to inspect the reservoirs in the State. “I hope Rajinikanth changes his opinion after visiting the State and understanding the ground reality,” said Kumaraswamy.

This is seen as an indirect snub to DMK leader Stalin who had demanded on Sunday that the Tamil Nadu Government should take advantage of the secular Government in Karnataka and get Cauvery water before June 12, the traditional date on which the Mettur reservoir in Tamil Nadu is opened to release water for the short term Kuruvai cultivation. “The secular Government in Karnataka has invited Stalin also for the swearing in on Wednesday. All Stalin has to do is to just request Kumaraswamy to release Cauvery water. If he is sincere in his approach to the Cauvery agitation, let him plead with Kumaraswamy for water,” said Tiruppati Natayanan, BJP spokesman.  

Narayanan also pointed out that on May 15, Stalin had demanded to Yeddiyurappa who was to be sworn in as Chief Minister that the latter should immediately release Cavery water. “But till date Stalin has not asked Kumaraswamy for Cauvery waters which proves that the DMK is playing politics and their only programme is somehow to usurp power in the State,” said Narayanan. No opposition parties in Tamil Nadu has asked Kumaraswamy to release Cauvery water.